Precision double-sided aspheric element
First Claim
1. A precision optical element comprising first and second aspheric surfaces, at least one of which is single point machined.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A precision optical element is described, such as is used in thermal imaging systems in the infra-red, manufactured by means of single point machining, with both of its surfaces having an aspheric form, with or without the addition of a diffractive optics pattern. The element is produced while held in a novel vacuum chuck, whose support surface has a width in the radial direction significantly less than the size of the element, and which is aspherically machined to match the aspheric first surface of the element. A method whereby such an element can be produced by means of single point machining, such as diamond turning or fly cutting, is also described. Also described are new optical system designs and applications using such double-sided aspheric elements, thereby providing significant improvement over currently available optical systems.
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Citations
26 Claims
- 1. A precision optical element comprising first and second aspheric surfaces, at least one of which is single point machined.
- 10. A precision optical element comprising first and second aspheric surfaces, at least one of which is single point machined, and which further comprises a diffractive optics pattern machined on at least one of its surfaces.
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12. A method of producing first and second aspheric surfaces on a precision optical element having a radial size, at least said second aspheric surface being produced by means of single point machining, and comprising the steps of:
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forming said first aspheric surface on said element;
forming on a vacuum chuck, a support surface of width in its radial direction significantly smaller than said radial size of said element, and having an aspheric form matching said first aspheric surface formed on said element; and
subsequently machining said second aspheric surface on said element while it is held by said first aspheric surface in said vacuum chuck. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 19)
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- 17. An optical system comprising at least one precision optical element comprising two aspheric surfaces, at least one of which is single point machined.
- 23. A vacuum chuck for holding a precision optical element having a radial dimension and a first aspheric surface, for single point machining of a second aspheric surface thereon, and comprising a support surface of width significantly smaller than said radial dimension, said support surface having an aspheric form matching that of said first aspheric surface of said element.
Specification